Customs agents seize more than $400K at IAH

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport seized $253,294 in cash, $159, 382 in gold and silver in 14 separate seizures during May.

June 1, 2010 5:01:41 PM PDT

HOUSTON --

Any time you leave the country while carrying a substantial amount of money, be sure to fill out the necessary paperwork. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Bush Intercontinental Airport seized over $253,000 in cash and more than $159,000 in gold and silver just last month in 14 separate instances. They found undeclared currency stuffed in envelopes, pockets, and carry-on bags. They even found money sewn into one traveler's boxer shorts.

If you're traveling to or from the U.S. with more than $10,000 cash, or more than $2,500 in commodities, you must declare it with customs.

Seized currency is investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to determine if criminal proceedings are warranted. All seized currency not related to a criminal case will be forward to the Department of Treasury.